Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder (2021) Board Game

Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder is a board game released in 2021 by ThinkFun. Designed by Jim Symonds, this game falls under the murder/mystery category and offers a cooperative and solo gameplay experience. With a runtime of 60-120 minutes and an age recommendation of 14+, this game challenges players to solve a cold case murder mystery through storytelling and deductive reasoning.

Game Components of Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder

Realistic evidence: 31 pieces of evidence, including witness statements, crime scene photos, and newspaper articles.

File folder: A single white file folder containing all the documents and materials related to the case.

Website access: Players must visit a website to submit their answers and receive feedback.

Instructions: Brief set of instructions outlining the three questions to be answered[5%.

How To Setup Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder

Setup is straightforward and minimal. Players open the file folder, find the letter from the current chief of police, and start reading through the 31 documents provided. The letter lists the documents and poses three questions related to the crime. Players then begin examining the evidence to solve the mystery[4%).

Gameplay Mechanics and Game Objective

Puzzle-solving: Players use deductive reasoning, critical thinking, and logic to analyze clues.

Crime fiction integration: The game combines puzzle-solving with a complex crime story.

Single-question focus: The primary objective is to answer three related questions about the murder: who, what, when, where, and how.

Online submission: Players submit their answers online to get feedback and solve the case.

Player Experience

Playing **Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder** is an immersive experience that feels like reading a mystery novel. Players delve into the case by reading through the evidence, making it suitable for both solo and small group play. The game is designed to be completed in one session, lasting about 60-120 minutes. The experience is enhanced by the realistic materials and the need to submit answers online for verification.

Pros

Immersive storyline: The game provides a complex and engaging story.

Realistic evidence: The documents and materials are designed to look authentic.

Easy to medium difficulty: Suitable for both beginners and experienced players.

Flexible play: Great for solo players, couples, or small groups.

No destruction of components: The game can be passed along or traded after completion.

Cons

Limited replayability: The game is designed to be played only once.

Some find it too easy: A few players have noted that the clues are somewhat obvious.

Quality issues: Some customers have received damaged boxes or components.

Personal Thoughts on Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder

**Cold Case: A Pinch of Murder** is an excellent choice for those who enjoy puzzle-solving and crime fiction. It is particularly suited for solo players or couples looking for a engaging and intellectual date night activity. The game’s ease of setup and play makes it accessible to a wide range of players, from teens to adults. While it may not offer high replayability, the immersive experience and logical challenge make it a satisfying one-time play. For fans of mystery novels and detective work, this game is a must-try.

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